Breath of the 30s at Van Cleef & Arpels, extravagance at Piaget, throwback at Vacheron Constantin… Watches and Wonders, Day 4

We can already say that. The 2023 edition of the Geneva Motor Show is a great vintage. And not that Van Cleef & Arpels will say otherwise. The house represents a new vision of poetic time. The Lady Féérie watch is revealed in a new light with the harmony of pink. The more accessible Perlée and Alhambra collections are enriched with new combinations. How about Perlée’s secret pendant watch? We already imagine ourselves wearing the “Easy chic” models in chalcedony, sodalite or rose quartz every day… Finally, in this line of time-telling jewelry, the Ludo secret watch elevates the aesthetics of the Ludo bracelet. Created in 1934, inspired by the fashionable accessory of the 1930s, the belt. Incredibly smooth!

Extravagances

Piaget pays tribute to the creative brilliance of the 1960s and 80s, recalling that the 21st century collection presented in Basel in 1969 won over a jet-set community of artists, designers, musicians, actors and models. To satisfy this golden youth, Piaget then invented new jewelry, bold, graphic, colorful, privileged connections with avant-garde artists such as Dali, Ernie, Arman or even Warhol, who owned 7 Piaget watches. All this creative energy is today in the decor, which mixes curves, colors and textures. The eye is irresistibly drawn to the two sautoir watches, inspired by the 1969 model, whose gold chain has been shaped by hand by modeling and twisting gold wire. It’s hard to choose between a Zambian emerald tassel necklace or a palace-enhanced gold scroll necklace. Another miracle. A Limelight wristwatch with a rose gold bracelet engraved with palace decor appears to be devouring a turquoise dial.

Refined aesthetics

Vacheron Constantin presents new links from the Overseas collection. Revised at 34.5mm diameter for non-kit versions and 35mm diameter kits, the icon features a case with slightly refined aesthetics. The steel version is adorned with a subtle rose number. The house also fascinates by emphasizing one of its favorite complications: retrogression. As a reminder, the display is retrograde when the pointer does not make a full rotation of the dial, but returns to its starting point to start a new course after covering its measurement area. The best example. The Patrimony Date Jour Retrogrades, which features twice its number, this complication.

In the heart of nature

Panerai goes back to its roots, honoring the Radiomir collection. Recognizable at a glance, it is enriched with new materials, colors and complications. The new Radiomir Quaranta offers a smaller diameter of 40mm, which is easier to wear when you have a thin wrist. Our preference is the polished Goldtech version with an exclusive gold alloy and its elegant sunburst white dial.